Gifts Today magazine

Why I stock of ‘Hall of Names’ gifts

Read an account written by retail manager, Chris Kewell, at Buckfast Gifts explaining why he is sure to stock products from Hall of Names

I am always looking for products that will sell well in our shop at Buckfast Abbey, so when I heard about Hall of Names, I wanted to find out more. Surname histories with coats of arms sounded like they would be popular with our customers.

I met the Director of Hall of Names, Wendy Spencer, at a trade show in Exeter, and she subsequently visited me at Buckfast to explain how the system works. She explained that there was an initial outlay, and that I would require space to display surname books, alongside a computer and printer. I could see great potential in the product and when I saw how the system operated, I decided to become a stockist.

In the current economic climate, Hall of Names provides excellent turnover and the counter is often busy with customers looking up their surname in one of the books. The printed histories are popular with people who are interested in their own surname, but are also regularly bought as gifts. Customers who have previously made a purchase regularly call the shop to order more for friends and relatives. On the whole, it has been a real winner.

We have whole-heartedly embraced Hall of Names and now have a dedicated counter, with two printers, which encourages even more custom. All of my staff members are trained to use the system, and have found it simple to operate. Hall of Names is now a very successful part of our business and I would advise other retailers to consider it.

Why not visit Buckfast (or any other Hall of Names venue) to see the Hall of Names system in operation? Alternatively, call Wendy Spencer on 01984 632120 or email info@hallofnames.org.uk. Alternatively, visit www.hallofnames.org.uk.